Some Interesting Facts About Olive Oil

I wanted to spend a little time talking about some interesting bits of information about some of the things we use in our kitchens. Today the topic is Olive Oil.

Olive Oil

I don't know if you know it or not but the Olive Tree originated in Asia. It has been cultivated in Mediterranean countries for over 3,000 years. Most of the crop is used to make olive oil. The process for making olive oil is basically as follows: The olives are pitted and ground to a thick pulp. The pulp is then pressed to remove the juices and then they are placed in a centrifuge to separate the water from the oil.

It is best to choose the highest quality of olive oil. It is suggested that we use only oil that is labeled "extra virgin." This guarantees that the oil has been cold-pressed from freshly harvested olives and does not contain chemicals. It also has the best flavor and is golden-yellow in color. It is superior to the oil that is green in color. (Some cooks swear that the green olive oil holds up better for cooking – I rarely use it…I am an EVOO fan!)

One tablespoon of olive oil contains 120 calories and 14 grams of fat, but it is mostly the good fat (monounsaturated); it has a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels and is easily digested. The countries where it is used extensively have a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

Ancient civilizations used to use olive oil to help heal wounds. Even today it is considered a good remedy for skin problems and can be used as an effective moisturizer. The main therapeutic effect is if taken internally, it stimulates metabolism, promotes digestion and lubricates mucous membranes.

For all of you out there that really want a breakdown of this wonderful oil, the components are: 77% Monounsaturated fatty acids, 14% saturated fatty acids and 9% polyunsaturated fatty acids, plus vegetable mucilage and vitamin E.

If you want help with your digestive tract, take 1 tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach to stimulate digestion and to relieve upset stomach, flatulence and heartburn. It can also be used for constipation by taking (in the morning) 1 teaspoon of olive oil mixed with lemon juice – again on an empty stomach. Or you could try an enema using 5 ounces of olive oil in 20 ounces of boiling water, cooled to lukewarm. (Hopefully this was not TMI!>grin)

There is an antioxidant benefit because olive oil contains vitamin E. Also, monounsaturated fatty acids are less easily damaged by oxygen than other types of fat. This makes them less likely to produce free radicals, which damage cell membranes and contribute to several diseases.

Some additional information on application uses of this wonderful substance:

To Build Strong Fingernails and Soften Cuticles
Before bed, soak your nails in a mixture of lukewarm olive oil and lemon juice. Put on a soft cloth gloves and let the oil penetrate overnight. Your nails will gradually become more resistant to breaking and chipping. (Of course your bed will smell like a salad…okay I know – back to the facts at hand!)

To Lower Blood Cholesterol Levels
The monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil help lower LDL cholesterol (The Bad Kind) levels without affecting HDL cholesterol (The Good Kind) or triglyceride levels. To lower your cholesterol, at least 15% of your daily calories should come from monounsaturated fatty acids. Whenever possible, use olive oils in cooking, in preparing dressings for salads or vegetables and in making sandwiches.

To Treat Ear Problems
To clear stopped-up ears, put a few drops of lukewarm olive oil in the affected ear. Lie for 5 minutes on the opposite side, and then turn over, so that the oil can flow out again. (Do not put any liquid in your ear if you think you may have a perforated eardrum!) For earaches, soak a cotton pad in olive oil, and then add 5 drops of lavender oil. Place it loosely in your outer ear until the pain subsides.

To Prevent Hair Loss
Massage the scalp with olive oil every evening for eight days. Let it work overnight and wash it out in the morning. (Is it me or would you also have a problem with your bed smelling like a salad?)

To Moisturize Skin
Apply daily to dry spots or stretch marks.

Olive Oil can be used for cardiovascular issues, high blood cholesterol, earaches, constipation, upset stomach, dry skin and stretch marks. Who Knew?

Now, I am not a medical professional – these are things that I found from various sources in publications and on the Internet. Mainly from a publication called "The Complete Guide to Natural Healing:,  This information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician. Before undertaking any of the "medicinal purposes" advice given in this article, you should consult with a health care professional, who can best assess your individual needs, symptoms and any necessary treatments.


I just wanted to share the many benefits of Olive Oil – in addition to the wonderul flavor it adds to food.